Organizing your own space for studying online

An organized workspace makes online studying easier.

If you're taking an online educationcourse, it requires the same concentration, as well as time to crack the books and take exams, as attending classes at a university.

But studying online generally means you will be working at home, often surrounded by family members and the distractions of daily home life. To stay focused in spite of activity around you, your study area should be organized and as quiet as possible. Try to avoid working near the kitchen and high-traffic areas that are noise magnets.

If locating your workspace in front of a large window causes you to drift away into daydreams face an uncluttered wall. If you prefer to study online during the day and want to work in natural light, make sure heat-sensitive computer equipment is not in direct sunlight.

According to the website OnlineOrganizing, the most efficient work spaces are shaped as an "L" or a "U," allowing you to move freely on different sides. If space allows, divide the desk surface into sections, with the computer and telephone on one side, and the remaining space available to spread out any worksheets and study supplies.

Think ergonomically, if you plan to study online for lengthy periods. You will be more productive in a chair that keeps your feet planted flat on the floor and your back straight. Use a footrest if your feet don't reach the floor, and a wrist prop to keep your wrists flat as you type. A task lamp lessens glare directly onto the computer screen.

Locating a hutch on your desk allows you to store books, binders with class papers and reference materials related to your online courses. Even a small, makeshift hutch with a shelf resting on a couple of book stacks leaves more room on the main desk surface.

Develop a filing system geared to your online course

If there is an unused area of the house with internet connectivity – a section of the basement or attic – claim it as your own. But more often, computer workspaces are shared with other family members. One way to have your own files and work supplies ready when you go online is to gather them into a portable supply box, designated specifically for your studies. Once you get started for an online session, have all the supplies and equipment you will need at arm's length.

Develop a filing system that pertains only to your online training, both on the computer and in printed copies. For instance, a class could be identified by the course name, but broken into sub-categories for notes, exams, research papers and background materials.

For quick access to all your online codes, keep (non-confidential) passwords, program installation codes, equipment serial numbers and other computer information on a printed page in a handy drawer or bulletin board.

If you use a planning calendar to keep track of important dates – quizzes, weekly interaction sessions with online classmates and teachers, etc. – avoid using more than one. Personal, business and class-related appointments are easier to keep track of when they're recorded on one master calendar.

If you are able to set aside a workspace that is yours alone, personalize it with colors and decorative touches that put your stamp on the area without causing clutter. But avoid the temptation to bring along any hobby items that could lure your attention from the study tasks at hand.

At the end of every session, clear your surfaces, and gather items into your portable supply box or store them out of sight but ready for the next online learning session.